JFAC approves Environmental Quality package including Triumph mine remediation and ARPA reimbursements

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a multi‑part package for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that includes targeted pay to address turnover in permitting roles, transfers and appropriations for remediation projects and ARPA‑funded infrastructure reimbursements.

Analyst Janet Jessup told the committee enhancements included targeted pay adjustments to retain permitting staff, a $1.5 million transfer from the Water Pollution Control Fund to the Environmental Remediation Fund to support Superfund cleanup projects, and $1.03 million for remediation of the Triumph Mine site. The committee also approved $73,813,500 in one‑time ARPA state fiscal recovery funds to reimburse infrastructure grantees and a $10 million general‑fund transfer to the Water Pollution Control Fund for drinking‑water and wastewater infrastructure grants. The motion included a fund and benefit shift for personnel costs described in the analyst’s materials.

Senator Woodward said the targeted‑pay request was intended to reduce lengthy permit turnaround times and retain experienced supervisors and permit reviewers. The committee adopted the DEQ package on roll call, producing a combined total of 16 ayes, 3 nays, 1 absent/excused across the two chambers. Later in the meeting the committee also voted to adopt related reappropriation language and other conditions; that language passed by a combined total of 18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent/excused.

Analysts also presented one FY2025 language item asking for temporary relief on indirect cost accounting related to a new state accounting system; the committee approved that language by unanimous consent. The motions forward a due‑pass recommendation and include reporting and condition language tied to the contained transfers and reappropriations.